Related Articles

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an annual herb that is used both fresh and dried to add flavor to food. The species grows to a mature height of 18 to 24 inches, although you can find shorter cultivars such as “Spicy Globe” that grow to only 8 to 10 inches tall. Use an open-top terrarium when growing basil to avoid excessive humidity. An aquarium allows for good air circulation and makes it easy to harvest the leaves.

1

Wash the terrarium thoroughly using hot soapy water. Dry it with paper towels or a lint-free hand towel. Let it air-dry overnight.

2

Rinse the aquarium gravel or small pebbles and activated charcoal thoroughly with clean water. Pour 2 inches of gravel or pebbles into the bottom of the terrarium. Pour 1/2 inch of charcoal over the gravel or pebbles. Spread a 1/4- to 1/2-inch layer of sphagnum moss over the charcoal.

3

Moisten the potting mix with room-temperature water that has been sitting in an open container for 24 hours. Mix in just enough water to make it moist, not soggy. Pour 3 to 4 inches of moistened potting mix into the terrarium over the sphagnum moss.

4

Sow the basil seeds 1/4-inch deep in the potting mix. Spray the potting mix with a light spray of room-temperature water as often as necessary to keep it uniformly moist. Do not allow the potting mix to dry out. Place the terrarium in a bright location out of direct sunlight.

5

Place a grow light with three or four 40-watt fluorescent tubes directly above the terrarium. Leave the light on for 12 hours each day.

6

Thin the seedlings to 6 to 12 inches apart after they have two or three sets of true leaves. Use room-temperature water to keep the soil uniformly moist. Do not over-water. Avoid wetting the leaves. Check the moisture level in the gravel or pebbles at the bottom of the terrarium. Remove standing water from the bottom of the terrarium with a turkey baster.

7

Fertilize the basil with a 5-10-5 liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every six weeks. Do not allow the fertilizer to get on the leaves. Use sharp scissors to harvest the leaves. Prune the stems back to just above a pair of leaves to keep the plants from out-growing the terrarium, and encourage fresh stem and leaf growth.

About the Author

Reannan Raine worked for 30 years in the non-profit sector in various positions. She recently became a licensed insurance agent but has decided to pursue a writing career instead. Ms. Raine is hoping to have her first novel published soon.